Rethinking the Lawn Care Calendar
If you were to ask around, most people would likely tell you the "lawn care calendar year" runs from spring until fall. Spring is when your lawn comes out of dormancy, fall is when your lawn goes back into dormancy, so everything you do to your lawn is done in that time frame.
False! You have to get that kind of thinking out of your head.
When the Lawn Care Year Actually Starts
The "lawn care calendar year" runs from September to September. Every September, the calendar year resets and starts all over.
That means that this year's "lawn season" starts right now in your Midlothian or Prosper lawn. Everything you do from here on out has little to do with your lawn right now, and everything to do with your lawn next year.
Why September Matters Most
Traditional thinking (wrong):
- Spring = start of lawn care
- Fall = end of lawn care
- Winter = nothing happens
- Lawn care is about maintaining current conditions
Correct thinking:
- September = start of lawn care year
- Fall preparations determine next year's success
- Winter work happens underground
- Lawn care is about planning ahead
The Most Important Application of the Year
One of the most important applications of the entire year happens to be the very first application of the "lawn care year." That application is the fall pre-emergent.
This fall pre-emergent will set the stage and lay the foundation for your lawn next year.
Why fall pre-emergent is critical:
- Prevents winter and spring weeds
- Establishes weed-free foundation
- Reduces maintenance needs all year
- Saves money on post-emergent treatments
- Creates the basis for a beautiful lawn
The September-to-September Calendar
September-November:
- Fall pre-emergent application
- Fall fertilization
- Lawn recovery from summer stress
- Root development before dormancy
December-February:
- Winter pre-emergent (optional second application)
- Dormancy period (work happens underground)
- Stored nutrients feed root systems
- Planning for spring
March-May:
- Spring green-up (results of fall work)
- Spring pre-emergent application
- Active growth begins
- Fertilization for growth
June-August:
- Summer maintenance
- Stress management
- Insect and disease control
- Preparing for fall restart
Breaking the Wrong Mindset
Stop thinking:
- "I'll start lawn care when grass turns green"
- "Fall is the end of the season"
- "Winter doesn't matter for lawns"
- "I can wait until spring to prepare"
Start thinking:
- "September is my fresh start"
- "Fall work determines next year's success"
- "Winter is when roots build strength"
- "Planning ahead prevents problems"
What This Means for Your Lawn
Understanding the true lawn care calendar means:
- Taking action now, not waiting for spring
- Preventing problems before they start
- Building long-term lawn health
- Reducing reactive treatments
- Achieving better results with less work
Professional Year-Round Lawn Care
At Vista Lawn and Pest, our comprehensive fertilization and weed control programs in Midlothian and Prosper follow the proper lawn care calendar with applications timed for maximum effectiveness. We understand that September is the beginning, not the end, and our programs are designed to set your lawn up for success all year long.
Get it done!
Watch the video below to understand why the lawn care calendar year starts in September and how this knowledge transforms your approach to lawn maintenance.
For professional year-round lawn care and weed control in Midlothian and Prosper, contact Vista Lawn and Pest.
